Several local businesses affected after fire in Pine Bluff

PINE BLUFF, ARK. (KTHV) - Around 4:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, an overnight fire damaged several businesses at a strip mall in Pine Bluff. According to Fire Chief Shauwn Howell, one was a clothing store, another a barber shop, and one was an insurance agent.

About four businesses appear to be destroyed and another five have smoke and water damage. Luckily no one was hurt but business owners are taking a hit.

“We definitely hate to see people lose their business and source of income,” said Howell.

The fire started in the east side of the building before spreading to the west side. The businesses on the west side don't have as much visible damage, but they're still affected.

Carolyn Thompson, who works in the strip mall at Chicken House said, “It stopped right next door to our store so I'm feeling really bad for them.”

Thompson and others feel for the neighboring businesses. With fire and water damage, most of everything is beyond repair and the businesses affected may never recover.

"A lot of customers came today and I was expecting a lot of them back today that I had yesterday but thus far we still not open so we losing a lot of money,” said Thompson.

While other employees struggle after the fire, Thompson remains positive.